Research
Developing ‘future-oriented’ research methods and tools that allow us to identify new and emerging challenges and opportunities, for transforming healthcare through technology-enabled innovations
Our work is focused around medical devices, diagnostics and digital innovations and our research interest is divided into five broad themes. The themes are open-ended and overlapping, and allow us to deliver ambitious and impactful research
- Diagnostics and Prognostics
- Digital Health
- Medical Technologies and Environmental Challenges
- Regulatory Science and Innovation in Healthcare
- Horizon Scanning Tools and Methodologies
Our research projects include short components undertaken by our staff, as well as independent undergraduate and postgraduate projects (including MSc/PhD) conducted throughout the year.
If you're interested in undertaking research with us (including those looking to undertake PhDs in this area), please contact us at info@io.nihr.ac.uk.
Horizon Scanning Final Report: Identification of Respiratory Tract Infection Technologies
Following a request from the AMR Programme Board and the AMR Diagnostic Programme Board, the Innovation Observatory sought to undertake horizon scanning activities for Respiratory Tract Infection (RTI) technologies and to identify the pipeline of development, key players, opportunities and challenges in the field. The findings of that horizon scan were summarised into the accompanying […]
DownloadHorizon Scanning Final Report: Identification of Acute deterioration / Sepsis Technologies
Studies show that a significant number of sepsis patients (20-30%) receive inappropriate antibiotics, and that blood culture testing – the ‘gold standard’ for sepsis diagnosis – varies significantly across healthcare practices. Such variation causes delay in critical test results, and there is additional evidence to suggest that blood culture testing may not influence a change […]
DownloadHorizon Scanning Final Report: Identification of Surgical Site Infection Technologies
In this report, the Innovation Observatory has provided a horizon scan of MedTech innovations with the potential to reduce demand for antimicrobials through SSI detection and monitoring. This landscape aims to allow the NHSE & I’s AMR Programme Board to evaluate the potential impact of these SSI innovations and to identify promising technologies for use […]
DownloadCOVID-19 Impact on Diagnostic Innovations: Emerging Trends and Implications
Diagnostic testing remains the backbone of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response, supporting containment efforts to mitigate the outbreak. The severity of this crisis and increasing capacity issues associated with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based testing, accelerated the development of diagnostic solutions to meet demands for mass testing. Since March 2020, the Innovation Observatory has applied […]
Visit WebsiteIdentification of COVID-19 Diagnostics Using Horizon Scanning Approaches to Inform Decision Making
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic the Innovation Observatory has collated a comprehensive global dataset of SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests, supporting stakeholder in assessing priorities and mitigation options in response to testing challenges. Using manual and automated horizon scanning approaches, our diagnostic landscape has provided key insights into the evolution of technological innovations, their regulation and […]
DownloadRapid Technology Scan: Radioligand Technologies
The Innovation Observatory performed a scan of radioligand technologies (imaging and therapeutic) in May 2021, using robust horizon scanning methods to identify promising innovations and to anticipate technological trends. We developed a detailed dataset of technologies by formulating search strategies for radioligand, based on a comprehensive list of terms and input from expert panels. Primary […]
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